An N95 filtering facepiece respirator is a wearable filter that removes particles from the air you inhale. Only N95 respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are allowed; no other type of respirator should be used. A complete list of certified N95 respirators is available through NIOSH. The N95 respirators that may be obtained through the cache system are NIOSH approved and therefore available for voluntary use.
At this time, no respirators are approved for use during the arduous work performed by wildland firefighters on the fireline. Respirator use must comply with regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which determines how respirators can be used in the workplace since their improper use can pose a hazard. While N95 respirators can filter out particles encountered on the fireline, they cannot protect against gases, vapors, or very small solid particles from fumes or smoke that may also be present. Currently, there are no respirators available that filter all the inhalation hazards in the wildland fire environment and would follow OSHA regulations for use during arduous work on the fireline.
Learn more in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Safety Bulletin 24-001, Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires.
The Interior and Agriculture departments are working on respirator options in the wildland fire environment that meet both regulatory and workplace requirements. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Uses and Limitations
Voluntary use of the N95 respirator does not require a medical evaluation, a supervised fit testing, or a clean-shaven face. Beards and facial hair are allowed for voluntary respirator use, but they interfere with the seal of the respirator and significantly decrease its effectiveness. A clean-shaven face is recommended.
Use of a properly-fitted N95 respirator on a clean-shaven face with a successful fit test will remove at least 95% of airborne particles (such as those found in smoke).
You may choose to wear an N95 respirator to provide some level of protection against exposure to particulates in smoke. N95 respirators will NOT protect against gases, vapors, oils, or other airborne chemicals.
Avoid the use of N95 respirators in situations where they could become a hazard:
- Because N95 respirators are made from flammable material, they should never be used in the presence of oil mists or open flame.
- N95 respirators are not for use in environments that are low-oxygen or immediately dangerous to life or health (such as confined spaces).
- Do not use an N95 respirator in situations where it may create a hazard (for example, fireline work or strenuous activity can increase the risk of heat stress).
For more information about N95 respirators and their use, visit the NIOSH filtering facepiece respirator webpage.
Getting Started
Before you use an N95 respirator at work, you MUST review the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) §1910.134 Respirator Safety Standard, Appendix D, Mandatory Information for Employees Using Respirators When not Required Under the Standard.
N95 respirators increase breathing resistance. If you have an underlying medical condition or concern, you should contact your medical provider prior to use.
How to Use an N95 Respirator
Always store your respirators in a clean, dry place (like a sealed plastic bag). Before use, inspect the respirator for damage and discard if you find any defects.
N95 respirators are designed for one-time use; replace after each use. If your respirator becomes dirty, damaged, wet, or can no longer form a tight seal mid-use, you should discard and replace it at that time. Never clean, wash, or disinfect the N95 respirator.
You should refer to the manufacturer's instructions for storage and special use. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury or death.
Refer to the NIOSH guide on how to put on and take off an N95 respirator.
If you experience difficulty breathing, immediately discontinue use of your respirator.
Learn More
Are you interested in learning more? Detailed instructions are now available on voluntary respirator use by wildland fire personnel.
Help share this information by displaying the Voluntary Respirator Use poster.